Fluorescent Noncovalent Organic Framework for Supporting Gold Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalyst with Merits of Easy Detection and Recycle.

A porous noncovalent organic framework with AIE effect is designed and synthesized as the support for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The framework is fabricated through the electrostatic complexation between carboxymethyl cellulose and tetraphenylethene-containing ammonium surfactant, which can complex AuNPs via the noncovalent interactions to offer a heterogeneous catalyst. Compared to the covalent modification on cellulose, this noncovalent framework gains superiorities in the catalyst synthesis and the size control of AuNPs. The AIE property and water-insolubility allow such heterogeneous catalysts to be easily detected, separated, and recycled, opening a new pathway for the reduction of nitrobenzene compounds and some dye compounds in aqueous conditions, which present the features of green chemistry. The use of cellulose for developing new heterogeneous metal catalysts, especially in a noncovalent way, would promote the value-added utilization of cellulose. This work provides a design strategy for gaining heterogeneous metal catalysts by taking advantage of natural bioresources.

A biosurfactant-producing yeast Rhodotorula sp.CC01 utilizing landfill leachate as nitrogen source and its broad degradation spectra of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Biosurfactants (BSs) are known for their remarkable properties, however, their commercial applications are hampered partly by the high production cost. To overcome this issue, a biosurfactant producing strain, Rhodotorula sp.CC01 was isolated using landfill leachate as nitrogen source, while olive oil was determined as the best sole carbon source. The BS produced by Rhodotorula sp.CC01 had oil displacement diameter of 19.90 ± 0.10 cm and could reduce the surface tension of water to 34.77 ± 0.63 mN/m. It was characterized as glycolipids by thin layer chromatography, FTIR spectra, and GC-MS analysis, with the critical micelle concentration of 70 mg/L. Meanwhile, the BS showed stability over a wide range of pH (2-12), salinity (0-100 g/L), and temperature (20-100 °C). During the cultivation process, BS was produced with a maximum rate of 163.33 mg L-1 h-1 and a maximum yield of 1360 mg/L at 50 h. In addition, the removal efficiency of NH4+-N reached 84.2% after 75 h cultivation with a maximum NH4+-N removal rate of 3.92 mg L-1 h-1. Moreover, Rhodotorula sp.CC01 has proven to be of great potential in remediating petroleum hydrocarbons, as revealed by chromogenic assays. Furthermore, genes related to nitrogen metabolism and glycolipid metabolism were found in this strain CC01 after annotating the genome data with KEGG database, such as narB, glycoprotein glucosyltransferase, acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase, LRA1, LRA3, and LRA4. The findings of this study prove a cost-effective strategy for the production of BS by yeast through the utilization of landfill leachate.

A Facile Space-Confined Solid-Phase Sulfurization Strategy for Growth of High-Quality Ultrathin Molybdenum Disulfide Single Crystals.

Single-crystal transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and TMD-based heterojunctions have recently attracted significant research and industrial interest owing to their intriguing optical and electrical properties. However, the lack of a simple, low-cost, environmentally friendly, synthetic method and a poor understanding of the growth mechanism post a huge challenge to implementing TMDs in practical applications. In this work, we developed a novel approach for direct formation of high-quality, monolayer and few-layer MoS2 single crystal domains via a single-step rapid thermal processing of a sandwiched reactor with sulfur and molybdenum (Mo) film in a confined reaction space. An all-solid-phase growth mechanism was proposed and experimentally/theoretically evidenced by analyzing the surface potential and morphology mapping. Compared with the conventional chemical vapor deposition approaches, our method involves no complicated gas-phase reactant transfer or reactions and requires very small amount of solid precursors [e.g., Mo (∼3 µg)], no carrier gas, no pretreatment of the precursor, no complex equipment design, thereby facilitating a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly growth. Moreover, we examined the symmetry, defects, and stacking phase in as-grown MoS2 samples using simultaneous second-harmonic-/sum-frequency-generation (SHG/SFG) imaging. For the first time, we observed that the SFG (peak intensity/position) polarization can be used as a sensitive probe to identify the orientation of TMDs' crystallographic axes. Furthermore, we fabricated ferroelectric programmable Schottky junction devices via local domain patterning using the as-grown, single-crystal monolayer MoS2, revealing their great potential in logic and optoelectronic applications. Our strategy thus provides a simple, low-cost, and scalable path toward a wide variety of TMD single crystal growth and novel functional device design.

Association of ulcerative colitis with transcobalamin II gene polymorphisms and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels in Chinese patients.

It has been reported that abnormal elevation of homocysteine is quite prevalent in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We attempted to explore the relationship of UC with transcobalamin II (TCN2) gene polymorphisms and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels in Chinese patients. TCN2 (rs1801198, rs9606756) genotypes were detected by the improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) technique in 527 UC patients and 574 controls. Moreover, 128 UC patients and 138 controls were randomly selected for the measurement of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels by enzymatic cycling assay or chemiluminescence immunoassay. For TCN2 (rs1801198), the frequency of allele G and combined frequencies of CG and GG genotypes were increased in patients with mild, moderate, and severe UC compared with those with remission UC (all P < 0.001). The average homocysteine level was elevated (10.78 ± 3.33 vs 9.91 ± 2.88 µmol/L, P = 0.024), whereas the average vitamin B12 and folate levels were reduced (408.66 ± 185.00 vs 457.42 ± 206.47 pg/mL, P = 0.044; 6.81 ± 3.06 vs 8.17 ± 2.58 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively) in UC patients than in controls. Compared with controls, the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy >15.0 µmol/L), vitamin B12 deficiency (<203.0 pg/mL), and folate deficiency (<4.0 ng/mL) was higher in UC patients (all P < 0.05). Both HHcy and folate deficiency were shown to be independent risk factors for UC (95% CI = 1.206-12.293, P = 0.023; 95% CI = 1.910-11.129, P = 0.001, respectively). TCN2 (rs1801198, rs9606756) mutations might aggravate the severity of UC. HHcy and folate deficiency are independent risk factors for UC.

An Analysis of Transcobalamin II Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Levels of Homocysteine, Folate and Vitamin B12 in Chinese Patients with Crohn's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the association of Crohn's disease (CD) with transcobalamin II (TCN2) polymorphisms and serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels. METHODS: TCN2 (rs1801198, rs9606756) were genotyped by iMLDR in 389 CD patients and 746 controls. Furthermore, 102 CD patients and 153 controls were randomly selected for examination of serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels by enzymatic cycling assay and chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: Mutant allele (G) and genotype (AG + GG) of (rs9606756) were higher in CD patients than in controls (both p < 0.05). So were they in ileocolonic CD patients and stricturing CD patients compared to controls (all p < 0.05). Mutant allele (G) and genotype (CG + GG) of (rs1801198) were more prevalent in stricturing CD patients than in controls (both p < 0.05). Compared to controls, average homocysteine level was enhanced in CD patients (p = 0.003), whereas average folate and vitamin B12 levels were reduced in CD patients (both p < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, folate deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency was higher in CD patients than in controls (all p < 0.01). Both folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency were independently related to risk of CD (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: TCN2 (rs1801198, rs9606756) polymorphisms as well as folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency are correlated with CD.

[Association of solute-linked carrier family 26 member A3 gene polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis among Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of solute-linked carrier family 26 member A3 (SLC26A3) gene with ulcerative colitis (UC) among Chinese patients. METHODS: For 416 UC patients and 584 controls, 5 SNPs of the SLC26A3 gene (rs17154444, rs7810937, rs7785539, rs2108225 and rs6951457) were determined with a SNaPshot method. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype were analyzed for all subjects. RESULTS: The G allele and AG+GG genotype of rs2108225 were more prevalent in UC patients compared with the controls (65.14% vs. 58.65%, P=0.030; 87.02% vs. 81.85%, P=0.012, respectively). The C allele and TC+CC genotype of rs17154444 were more prevalent in patients with severe UC than in other patients (14.00% vs. 6.01%, P<0.01; 28.00% vs. 11.48%, all P<0.01). Similar conclusion may also be drawn for C allele and GC+CC genotype of rs7785539 (8.00% vs. 7.38%, P=0.011; 16.00% vs. 13.93%, P=0.017, respectively). The SNPs rs17154444, rs7810937, rs7785539 and rs2108225 were found to be in strong LD. Compared with the controls, the T-A-G-G haplotype was more prevalent in UC patients (62.60% vs. 58.20%, P=0.017), whereas the T-G-G-A haplotype was less common in UC patients (27.40% vs. 31.60%, P=0.041). CONCLUSION: Variations of the SLC26A3 rs2108225 may enhance the risk of UC. The rs17154444 and rs7785539 polymorphisms of the SLC26A3 gene are correlated with the severity of UC. The T-A-G-G haplotype formed by rs17154444, rs781093, rs7785539 and rs2108225 of the SLC26A3 gene may increase the risk for UC, whereas the T-G-G-A haplotype may decrease this risk.

[Association of transcobalamine II gene polymorphisms and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels with ulcerative colitis among Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of transcobalamine II (TCN2) gene polymorphisms and serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folate with ulcerative colitis (UC) among Chinese patients. METHODS: For 397 UC patients and 574 controls, two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the TCN2 gene (rs1801198, rs9606756) were tested with an improved multiple ligase detection reaction method. Serum Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate were measured with an enzymatic cycling assay and an chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: The allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs1801198 and rs9606756 did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P> 0.05). Compared with those of the control group, the frequencies of G allele and CG+GG genotype of rs1801198 were greater in patients with moderate and severe UC (both P< 0.05). The same conclusion may also be drawn for the G allele and AG genotype of rs9606756 (both P< 0.05). Compared with the controls, average Hcy level was enhanced in UC patients (P< 0.01), whereas average vitamin B12 and folate levels were decreased in UC patients (both P< 0.01). In both groups, the average level of Hcy was lower in individuals carrying CC of (rs1801198) than in those with CG+GG (both P< 0.05). A similar conclusion was also drawn for individuals with AA of rs9606756 when compared with those carrying AG(both P< 0.05). Compared with patients with mild UC, average Hcy level was increased in those with moderate and severe UC (P< 0.01), while average vitamin B12 and folate levels were decreased in those with moderate and severe UC (both P< 0.01). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia(HHcy), vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency was greater in UC patients than in controls (all P< 0.01). In UC patients, the level of Hcy was negatively correlated with those of vitamin B12 (P< 0.01), albumin(P< 0.01), red blood cells(P< 0.01) and platelet (P< 0.05), but positively correlated with white blood cells(P< 0.01) and Mayo score (P< 0.01). Both HHcy and folate deficiency were independent risk factors for UC (OR=4.173, OR=5.206, both P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: TCN2 (rs1801198, rs9606756) variations, as well as serum levels of Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate, are correlated with UC. Both HHcy and folate deficiency are independent risk factors for UC.

Performance comparison of acrylic and thiol-acrylic resins in two-photon polymerization.

Microfabrication by two-photon polymerization is investigated using resins based on thiol-ene chemistry. In particular, resins containing different amounts of a tetrafunctional acrylic monomer and a tetrafunctional thiol molecule are used to create complex microstructures. We observe the enhancement of several characteristics of two-photon polymerization when using thiol-acrylic resins. Specifically, microfabrication is carried out using higher writing velocities and it produces stronger polymeric microstructures. Furthermore, the amount of shrinkage typically observed in the production of three-dimensional microstructures is reduced also. By means of microspectrometry, we confirm that the thiol-acrylate mixture in TPP resins promote monomer conversion inducing a higher degree of cross-linked network formation.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with Crohn's disease in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates immune responses and inflammation through binding with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the active form of vitamin D. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level clinically reflects vitamin D status in the human body. We investigated the association of VDR polymorphisms and 25(OH)D levels in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) were genotyped by SNaPshot. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: A total of 297 patients with CD and 446 controls were recruited. Compared with controls, mutant alleles and genotypes of BsmI and TaqI were less prevalent in patients with CD (all P < 0.05/4 = 0.0125). The AAC haplotype formed by BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI was also less prevalent in patients with CD (P = 0.004). Furthermore, 124 patients and 188 controls were randomly selected for measurements of 25(OH)D levels. Average 25(OH)D level was lower in patients with CD than in controls (15.46 ± 8.11 vs 21.64 ± 9.45 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and negatively linked to CD activity index (ß = -0.829, P < 0.001), platelet count (ß = -0.253, P < 0.001) and neutrophil percentage (ß = -0.136, P = 0.005) in patients with CD. The ApaI mutant genotype and vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were independently associated with CD (P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). In patients with CD, vitamin D deficiency interacted with FokI, ApaI, and TaqI mutant genotypes (P = 0.027, P = 0.024, and P = 0.040, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D receptor (BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and lower 25(OH)D levels are associated with CD in Chinese patients. Moreover, VDR (FokI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and vitamin D deficiency may have a combined impact on CD.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to ulcerative colitis in patients from Southeast China.

The association studies from different ethnic groups showed that vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms might be connected with the susceptibility to ulcerative colitis (UC); however, the conclusions were less consistent. Our study aimed to analyze the associations of UC with common mutations of VDR in Chinese patients. A total of 382 UC patients and 489 healthy controls were recruited. The genotypes of VDR FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236) were examined by SNaPshot assays. Haplotype analysis was performed in all study subjects. After Bonferroni correction, the mutant alleles and genotypes of VDR FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI did not statistically differ between UC patients and the controls (all p > 0.0125). However, the mutant allele C and genotype TC + CC of FokI gene were significantly increased in patients with mild and moderate UC compared to those with severe UC (C allele: 54.1% versus 39.3%, OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.21-2.75, p = 0.004; TC + CC genotype: 81.6% versus 57.1%, OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.83-6.06, p < 0.001, respectively). Haplotype analysis showed that the VDR BsmI, ApaI and TaqI polymorphic loci were in a strong linkage disequilibrium. Furthermore, the frequency of AAC haplotype was statistically lower in UC patients than that in the controls (3.8 versus 5.9%, OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39-1.01, p = 0.039). In conclusion, the mutation of FokI gene influenced severity of the disease in UC patients. Moreover, the AAC haplotype formed by the VDR BsmI, ApaI and TaqI gene might engender a reduced risk of UC attack.

[Associations of Crohn's disease with DR4 and DR5 gene polymorphisms].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations of death receptor DR4 and DR5 gene polymorphisms with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: A total of 295 CD patients and 490 healthy controls were recruited. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the DR4 (rs13278062, rs20575) and DR5 (rs1047266) genes were determined with a SNaPshot method. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was carried out for determining the allelic and genotypic differences of the three SNPs between CD patients and the controls, as well as the influence of the DR4 and DR5 gene polymorphisms on the clinical features of CD patients. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis were calculated by haplotype 4.2 and R language software. A gene-gene interaction model was established to analyze whether the three SNPs can exert a synergistic effect on the susceptibility to CD. RESULTS: The mutant allele (T) and genotype (GT+TT) of DR4 (rs13278062) were increased among CD patients compared to the controls (37.12% vs. 32.04%, P = 0.040, 95%CI: 1.010-1.550; 62.71% vs. 54.90%, P = 0.032, 95%CI: 1.028-1.855, respectively). However, the allelic and genotypic frequencies of DR4 (rs20575) and DR5 (rs1047266) did not differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Based on the Montreal Classification Standards, the CD patients were stratified by locations and behaviors of the disease. After multiple comparison correction (P < 0.0125), compared to ileocolonic CD patients respectively, the mutant allele (T) and genotype (GT+TT) of the rs13278062 polymorphism were significantly increased in colonic CD patients (41.04% vs. 25.64%, P = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.315-0.778; 66.04% vs. 41.03%, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 0.196-0.655, respectively) and terminal ileum CD patients (41.44% vs. 25.64%, P = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.311-0.762; 74.77% vs. 41.03%, P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.126-0.437, respectively). In comparison to penetrating CD patients, the mutant allele (T) and genotype (GT+TT) of DR4 (rs13278062) were significantly decreased in stricturing CD patients (32.29% vs. 48.91%, P = 0.007, 95%CI: 0.300-0.828; 57.29% vs. 86.96%, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 0.078-0.520, respectively). A similar conclusion was drawn for the mutant genotype (GT+TT) of DR4 (rs13278062) in non-stricturing, non-penetrating CD patients (58.82% vs. 86.96%, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 0.086-0.536). Haplotype analysis indicated that the CT haplotype formed by rs20575 and rs13278062 was increased in CD patients compared to the controls (37.1% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.029, OR=1.279, 95%CI: 1.022-1.600). The outcome of a gene-gene interaction model indicated that the mutant genotype (GT+TT) of DR4 (rs13278062) and mutant genotype (CT+TT) of DR5 (rs1047266) may play a negatively synergistic role in CD patients (B = - 0.483, OR = 0.617, P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: The rs13278062 polymorphism of the DR4 gene not only can confer an increased risk for CD, but may also influence the location of the lesions and the disease behaviors. The CT haplotype formed by rs20575 and rs13278062 may be an independent risk factor for CD. Furthermore, the mutant genotype (GT+TT) of DR4 (rs13278062) and mutant genotype (CT+TT) of DR5 (rs1047266) may exert a negative synergistic effect on CD.

[Association of inflammatory bowel disease with the polymorphisms and haplotypes of fucosyltransferase 3 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of inflammatory bowel disease with polymorphisms and haplotypes of Fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) gene. METHODS: A total of 389 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 274 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and 492 controls were collected. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FUT3 gene (rs28362459, rs3745635 and rs3894326) were determined by direct sequencing. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis were performed using a Haploview 4.2 software. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the allele and genotype distributions of FUT3 gene did not significantly differ between the UC and CD groups (all P>0.05). By stratified analysis, the mutant allele (A) and genotype (GA+AA) of the FUT3 gene (rs3745635) were significantly increased in the UC group with distal colitis compared with the controls (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). The mutant allele (G) and genotype (TG+GG) of the FUT3 gene (rs28362459) as well as the mutant allele (A) of FUT3(rs3745635) were significantly increased in patients with ileocolonic CD and ileal CD as compared with the controls (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). The frequency of mutant allele (G) of FUT3(rs28362459) was higher in stricturing CD patients than in the controls (P<0.05). In addition, the three polymorphic loci of FUT3 gene were shown in complete linkage disequilibrium [rs3894326/rs3745635 (D'=1.0, r2=0.017), rs3894326/rs28362459 (D'=0.937, r2=0.311), rs3745635/rs28362459 (D'=0.944, r2=0.448)]. However, the frequency of each haplotype was not significantly different between the UC and CD groups compared with the controls (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: FUT3 (rs3745635) mutation may increase the risk of distal colitis. FUT3 (rs28362459 and rs3745635) mutations may engender the increased risk of ileocolonic and ileal CD. Moreover, FUT3 (rs28362459) polymorphism may influence the incidence of stricturing CD.

[An analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with Crohn's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of Crohn's disease (CD) with vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level. METHODS: A total of 297 CD patients and 446 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. Four single nucleosides of VDR (Fok I, Bsm I, Apa I and Taq I) were genotyped by SNaPshot. Serum 25(OH)D levels were tested by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay in 124 CD patients and 188 matched random controls. RESULTS: By Chi-square test and Bonferroni correction, the frequencies of mutant allele (A) and mutant genotype (GA+AA) of Bsm I were significantly decreased in CD patients compared to controls [3.70% (22/594) vs 7.51% (67/892), 95% CI 0.289-0.776, P=0.002; 7.41%(22/297) vs 14.80% (66/446), 95% CI 0.277-0.765, P=0.002, respectively]. The similar results were seen for the mutant allele (C) and mutant genotype (TC+CC) of Taq I [4.21% (25/594) vs 7.62% (68/892), 95% CI 0.333-0.852, P=0.008; 8.42% (25/297) vs 14.57% (65/446), 95% CI 0.331-0.877, P=0.012]. The analyses of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype were performed by Haploview 4.2 and R software, respectively. The Bsm I, Apa I and Taq I polymorphic loci were found to be in a strong LD, and the AAC haplotype was significantly reduced in CD patients compared to controls [3.14% vs 6.46%, 95% CI 0.273-0.815, P=0.004]. The further serological analysis showed that average serum 25(OH)D level in CD patients was significantly lower than that of controls [(15.46±8.11) µg/L vs (21.64±9.45) µg/L, P<0.001]. By linear regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D levels in CD patients were negatively correlated to Crohn's disease activity index (ß=-0.829, P<0.001), platelet count (ß=-0.253, P<0.001) and the ratio of neutrophils (ß=-0.136, P=0.005) independently, whereas positively related to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ß=0.191, P=0.001). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was applied for establishing the models of gene-environment interaction. In result, both the mutant genotype (CA+AA) of Apa I and vitamin D deficiency (<20 µg/L) were shown to be the independent risk factors for CD (OR=7.580, 95% CI 2.983-19.261, P<0.001; OR=2.842, 95% CI 1.300-6.211, P=0.009, respectively). Besides, vitamin D deficiency in CD patients had multiplicative interactions with the mutant genotype (TC+CC) of Fok I, genotype (CA+AA) of Apa I and genotype (TC+CC) of Taq I, respectively (OR=0.419, 95% CI 0.194-0.906, P=0.027; OR=0.309, 95% CI 0.111-0.855, P=0.024; OR=5.841, 95% CI 1.082-31.538, P=0.040; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: VDR (Bsm I, Apa I and Taq I) polymorphisms and serum 25(OH)D levels are significantly related to CD. Both the mutant genotype (CA+AA) of Apa I and vitamin D deficiency are independent risk factors of CD. The mutations of VDR (Fok I, Apa I and Taq I) and vitamin D deficiency might have a synergistic effect on CD susceptibility.

Associations of FUT2 and FUT3 gene polymorphisms with Crohn's disease in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: FUT2 and FUT3 genes are responsible for the formation of histo-blood group antigens, which act as binding sites for some intestinal microbes. Several studies suggested that FUT2 gene might affect the intestinal microbiota composition and modulate innate immune responses. However, the effect of FUT2 polymorphisms on Crohn's disease (CD) is uncertain. Our study aimed to analyze associations of CD with FUT2 and FUT3 polymorphisms in Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 273 CD patients and 479 controls were recruited. The genotypes of FUT2 (rs281377, rs1047781, and rs601338) and FUT3 (rs28362459, rs3745635, and rs3894326) were detected by SNaPshot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with controls, homozygote TT of FUT2 (rs1047781) was significantly increased in CD patients (TT vs others; P = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] = 1.767, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.235-2.528). The haplotype TT formed with FUT2 (rs281377) and (rs1047781) was more prevalent in CD patients than in controls (48.9% vs 43.5%, P = 0.046). Mutant T allele and homozygote TT of FUT2 (rs1047781) were increased in colonic CD patients compared with controls (P < 0.001, OR = 1.843, 95% CI = 1.353-2.512; P < 0.001, OR = 2.607, 95% CI = 1.622-4.191, respectively). Although allele and genotypic distributions of FUT3 were not statistically different between CD patients and controls, mutant allele and genotype of FUT3 (rs28362459) and (rs3745635) were significantly discrepant in three subgroups of CD patients according to lesion locations (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study strongly implicates the polymorphic locus of FUT2 (rs1047781) in CD susceptibility in Chinese population. Mutations of FUT3 (rs28362459) and (rs3745635) might influence the lesion locations in CD patients.

[Associations of the decoy receptor and osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis in Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between decoy receptor (DcR)1, DcR2 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to ulcerative colitis (UC) in Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 352 patients with UC as well as 463 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited in the study. The genetic polymorphisms of DcR1 (rs12549481), DcR2 (rs1133782) and OPG (rs3102735) were determined using a mini-sequencing technique method. RESULTS: In the autosomal dominant model, the rates of mutant allele (A) and genotype (GA+AA) of DcR2 (rs1133782) were lower in UC patients compared to the controls [6.25% (44/704) vs 8.96% (83/926), P = 0.043; 11.36% (40/352) vs 17.28% (80/463), P = 0.018, respectively]. In the recessive model, moreover, we found that the rates of mutant allele (T) and homozygote (TT) of OPG(rs3102735) were significantly increased in UC patients in contrast with the controls [86.36% (608/704) vs 81.53% (755/926), P = 0.009; 75.28% (265/352) vs 66.95% (310/463), P = 0.010, respectively]. By means of unconditional Logistic regression analysis, the rate of mutant allele (T) of OPG (rs3102735) was shown to be significantly decreased in patients with severe UC compared to the other UC patients [76.67% (69/90) vs 87.79% (539/614), OR = 0.457, 95%CI 0.265-0.788, P = 0.004]. Nevertheless, the genetic polymorphism of DcR2(rs1133782) was not significantly related to the clinical features in UC patients. In addition, the genotypic distribution of DcR1 (rs12549481) in control group did not conform to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium rule, thus a further statistical analysis was not performed in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic polymorphism of DcR2(rs1133782) might be associated with the susceptibility to UC. Not only is the mutation of OPG (rs3102735) gene correlated to the development of UC, but also to the severity of disease.

[The associations of ulcerative colitis with vascular endothelial growth factor (-2578C/A) and (+936C/T) single nucleotide polymorphisms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of (-2578C/A) and (+936C/T) single nucleotide polymorphism(SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene with the susceptibility to ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A total of 373 UC patients and 503 healthy controls were recruited. The (-2578C/A) and (+936C/T) polymorphism of VEGF gene were detected using a mini-sequencing technique. RESULTS: By an unconditional logistic regression analysis, the frequencies of the mutant allele T and genotype CT+TT of VEGF gene (+936C/T) were significantly decreased in patients with severe UC compared to the controls (10.4% vs 19.3%, OR = 0.487, 95%CI 0.248-0.954, P = 0.036; 18.8% vs 33.8%, OR = 0.452, 95%CI 0.214-0.955, P = 0.037, respectively). Moreover, patients with severe UC had significant lower rates of mutant allele T and genotype CT+TT compared with patients with mild and moderate UC (10.4% vs 20.5%, OR = 0.452, 95%CI 0.229-0.894, P = 0.022; 18.8% vs 36.9%, OR = 0.394, 95%CI 0.185-0.842, P = 0.016, respectively). The frequencies of mutant allele A and genotype CA+AA of VEGF (-2578C/A) gene were not statistically different between UC patients and the controls. Moreover, they were not significantly associated with the clinicopathologic features in UC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The mutation of VEGF (+936C/T) gene is correlated with the severity of UC. However, the polymorphism of VEGF (-2578C/A) gene is not significantly related to the susceptibility to UC.

Spatial distribution characteristics of carbazole and polyhalogenated carbazoles in water column and sediments in the open Western Pacific Ocean.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), an emerging persistent halogenated organic pollutant, have been detected in the environment. However, our understanding of PHCZs in the ocean remains limited. In this study, 47 seawater samples (covering 50 - 4000 m) and sediment samples (49 surface and 3 cores) were collected to investigate the occurrence and spatial distribution patterns of carbazole and its halogenated derivants (CZDs) in the Western Pacific Ocean. In seawater, the detection frequencies of CZ (97.87%) and 3-CCZ (57.45%) were relatively high. In addition, the average concentration of ΣPHCZs in the upper water (< 150 m, 0.23 ± 0.21 ng/L) was significantly lower than that in the deep ocean (1000 - 4000 m, 0.65 ± 0.56 ng/L, P < 0.05), which may indicate the vertical transport of PHCZs in the marine environment. The concentration of ΣCZDs in surface sediment ranges from 0.46 to 6.48 ng/g (mean 1.54 ng/g), among which CZ and 36-CCZ were the predominant components. Results from sediment cores demonstrate a noteworthy negative correlation between the concentration of CZDs and depth, indicating the ongoing natural degradation process occurring in sediment cores over a long period. This study offers distinctive insights into the occurrence, composition, and vertical features of CZDs in oceanic environments.

Co-culture of Acinetobacter sp. and Scedosporium sp. immobilized beads for optimized biosurfactant production and degradation of crude oil.

The widespread exploration and exploitation of crude oil has increased the prevalence of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in the marine and coastal environment. Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons using cell immobilization techniques is gaining increasing attention. In this study, the crude oil degradation performance of bacterial and fungal co-culture was optimized by entrapping both cells in sodium-alginate and polyvinyl alcohol composite beads. Results indicate that fungal cells remained active after entrapment and throughout the experiment, while bacterial cells were non-viable at the end of the experimental period in treatments with the bacterial-fungal ratio of 1:2. A remarkable decrease in surface tension from 72 mN/m to 36.51 mN/m was achieved in treatments with the bacterial-fungal ratio of 3:1. This resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal rate of 89.4%, and the highest degradation of n-alkanes fractions (from 2129.01 mg/L to 118.53 mg/L), compared to the other treatments. Whereas PAHs removal was highest in treatments with the most fungal abundance (from 980.96 µg/L to 177.3 µg/L). Furthermore, enzymes analysis test revealed that catalase had the most effect on microbial degradation of the target substrate, while protease had no significant impact on the degradation process. High expression of almA and PAH-RHDa genes was achieved in the co-culture treatments, which correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with n-alkanes and PAHs removal, respectively. These results indicate that the application of immobilized bacterial and fungal cells in defined co-culture systems is an effective strategy for enhanced biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in aqueous systems.

Enhanced remediation of oil-contaminated intertidal sediment by bacterial consortium of petroleum degraders and biosurfactant producers.

Oil pollution in intertidal zones is an important environmental issue that has serious adverse effects on coastal ecosystems. This study investigated the efficacy of a bacterial consortium constructed from petroleum degraders and biosurfactant producers in the bioremediation of oil-polluted sediment. Inoculation of the constructed consortium significantly enhanced the removal of C8-C40n-alkanes (80.2 ± 2.8% removal efficiency) and aromatic compounds (34.4 ± 10.8% removal efficiency) within 10 weeks. The consortium played dual functions of petroleum degradation and biosurfactant production, greatly improving microbial growth and metabolic activities. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the consortium markedly increased the proportions of indigenous alkane-degrading populations (up to 3.88-times higher than that of the control treatment). Microbial community analysis demonstrated that the exogenous consortium activated the degradation functions of indigenous microflora and promoted synergistic cooperation among microorganisms. Our findings indicated that supplementation of a bacterial consortium of petroleum degraders and biosurfactant producers is a promising bioremediation strategy for oil-polluted sediments.

Performance and microbial community analysis of combined bioreactors in treating high-salinity hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water.

The anoxic/oxic systems are a widely used biological strategy for wastewater treatment. However, little is known about the performance and microbial community correlation of different combined bioreactors in the treatment of high-COD and high-salinity hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW). In this study, the performance of Up-flow anaerobic sludge bed-bio-contact oxidation reactor (UASB-BCOR) and Fixed-bed baffled reactor (FBR-BCOR) in treating HF-FPW was investigated and compared. The results suggested the FBR-BCOR could efficiently remove COD, SS, NH4+-N, and oil pollutants, and it exhibited better resistance to the negative interference of hydraulic shock load on it. Besides, the correlation analysis first disclosed the key functional genera during the degradation process, including Ignavibacterium, Ellin6067, and Zixibacteria. Moreover, network analysis revealed that the difference of microbial co-occurrence network structure is the main driving factor for the difference of bioreactor processing capacity. This work demonstrates the feasibility and potential of FBR-BCOR in treating HF-FPW.